Summer really seems to be here and although we all enjoy the lovely weather, I know that many local residents have been concerned about the problems we have had in the Moorlands with grass fires. I would like to thank Staffordshire Fire & Rescue and all the emergency services who have been working hard to deal with the many calls they have had as a result of this.
I always tell my colleagues in Westminster about the many great food producers we have in the Moorlands and was delighted to be invited to visit Staffordshire Cheese Company in Cheddleton to find out first-hand how their award-winning cheeses are made.
Having donned a hair net, protective shoes and clothing, I was excited to have a tour of the factory and hear about the various different cheeses that are produced right here in the Moorlands. My children have always been great fans of Staffordshire cheese and it was really interesting to hear how the origins date back to Cistercian monks who settled in Leek, Staffordshire in the 13th century. Only the milk and cream from the cows grazing on local pastures are used to produce Staffordshire Cheese, creating the distinctive texture and flavour. It was great to be able to sample some Dovedale Blue, one of my favourites as well as Buxton Blue, Cheddleton original and a gourmet collection which includes mustard, chilli and beer & garlic.
After the visit, it was over to Biddulph to my second Senior Tea Dance which was a really successful event that was enjoyed by all. Many thanks to everyone who came along, to our partner charity the Royal Voluntary Service, the Biddulph Ukulele Group, Asda and Royal Mail who kindly sponsored the event and everyone who worked so hard to make it such a great occasion.